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Me and my wife was experienced the same horrible type of treatment. My wife was harassed many times while on the island. I will agreee with what you write because it is the truth. They need to have more police presence on Jamaica.

Should one judge an entire country on one personal incident? If I was to travel to a U.S. city and had a bad experience, should I judge the entire American population? I don't think so! My wife and I have travelled in Jamaica, and have had a wonderful time.

That's why there are so many wonderful all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica - if you just stay there and enjoy the great food, service, beaches and activities you won't have a problem. People who wander Jamaica on their own, visiting the local bars, restaurants, and streets, either are uninformed about the possible problems or choose to disregard the warnings. The resorts are fabulous with no problems, so don't judge a beautiful island with so much to offer buy one irresponsible disregard of all the advice given here and elsewhere.

Cyndy, I totally agree with you that the all inclusives are 'no problem'. Certainly, if what a person is seeking in a vacation is pampering and R&R, the a/i is a great way to go. However, the safest, most genuine experiences I have had in Jamaica have been among Jamaican friends and other locals in their town, outside of the tourist areas. For me, to stay put in a compound behind a huge fence is not to have experienced Jamaica. The locals know where is safe.

As for "Jamaica Sucks"; it's very unfair to judge a whole country by one negative experience. I was robbed in Florida. I don't condemn the USA and I continue to vacation in Florida as well. Crime can happen anywhere.

If the only way to experience safety on Jamaica is to sit inside a resort and be afraid to visit and experience a bit of local culture...then I say BOOO Jamaica. It looks like such a wonderfully beautiful island, it is too bad that these problems seem very much the norm on Jamaica as oppposed to other islands. I agree that crime can hit you anywhere, but my idea of a holiday is not camping out and hiding from local culture...I'll sit on a beach here in Canada if that is the case! Its too bad, and I am very weary about visiting Jamaica (we were planning maybe for Jan.)...but I've read soooo many bad postings now, that I feel if we go...we are ignoring all the warning signs.

Les, I too had heard all the warnings prior to visiting Jamaica and was unsure. My husband and I have traveled somewhat in the Caribbean and like to explore new places. One visit to Jamaica and we were hooked. It certainly is not for everyone, and if you're very nervous about it, you should go somewhere else, but we found most Jamaicans to be the friendliest and most hospitable people we've met anywhere. Also, we found that for us, Jamaica didn't have the water problems, etc. that is associated with Mexico and some other Caribbean islands. I've visited 7 times and have never felt ill due to eating a different diet. My advice is to always be cautious, as you would be at home. If you think you're not going to like it, you won't. We were pleasantly surprised and have made some very good friends there.

Wherever you travel, you must do your fullest research on your destination. I am a single female, and went alone to Jamaica. At first it was a little frightening, because it was my first time out of the states. Then, once there, and staying in an all-inclusive I felt safe and comfortable. Jamaica is a beautiful place to vacation. As a honeymoon or with the entire family.

I am very sorry to hear about your experience and certainly am not trying to make light of it. Going on a vacation anywhere and being robbed must be horrifying. However, there was recently a murder trial in Florida where a yound Canadian was shot in the head for $2. Should we warn people to never go to the US again? Is it a lawless country as well. Jamaica is a third world country with crime. The majority of people are very warm friendly and great to talk to. Do not judge an entire country on one horrible incident. if we all start to do this we might as well just stay home in our backyards.

I am sorry you had a problem in Jamaica. But it is unfair to tar an entire island because you had an unfortunate incident.

If you had been robbed and beaten in St. Thomas, which is a U.S. possession, would you be posting that no one should go?

Jamaica has some serious problems with poverty, no question. The advent of the fortress-like all-inclusives has exacerbated this, as much as it's increased tourism, because the benefits of these hotels only go to the few.

In Jamaica, you have to be prepared to deal with a country and a culture. It's not a theme park where "Manuel" the obsequious waiter is there waiting to refill your drink. You DO have to deal with the local residents differently than in other places.

I know what happened to the original poster is a terrible thing. But when crime happens elsewhere in the Caribbean, it scares no one. But in Jamaica, the damage lasts years. Why?

We went to Jamaica about 7 years ago. One time was too much. We will never go back. Our hotel was continually robbed, while people were sleeping mind you! Our friends were some of them. It took them 2 days out of their vacation to get things straight with the police! Where was the security? How do they get in there anyway? something is not right. We did not feel safe for one minute there. People were held up at knife point across the street from our hotel. The beggers are unreal. Any time we tried to venture outside the hotel, we had people following us side by side harrassing and harrassing. You can't be safe walking around Jamaica at all. That is not a vacation if you must stay cooped up in one spot. Jamaica needs some serious revamping in every area possible to get the tourists back again. I would go to Cancun anyday over Jamaica and a lot of the Carribean islands.

To Gwen who writes "we might as well stay...in our backyards"; that is how I would feel in the Super-inclusives, which according to many here, are the only "safe" places in Jamaica. No thanks, don't want to pay thousands to go to a fortressed amusement park.

For those of you who decide to go to Jamaica; think twice before booking on Air Jamaica. Unbelievable! THE worst airline experience we have ever had.

In the space of a few days, here are some lst hand experiences: Bumped off a flight out of Chicago.

The Jamaica-Chicago flight last Saturday left at least four hours late. I don't know what the over-booking situation was, but I can guess.

The next nite, our flight was A.)first annouced that it would be delayed for by four hours. BThen so seriously overbooked that many people were bounced and C) didn't leave for another hour and a half. A flight that originally was scheduled to get into Ohare at 9 p.m., set down at 2 a.m.

And most of the airline counter personnel were a joke! Rude and unhelpful.

Having read about the relative pros and cons of going to Jamaica, I am still interested to see the place and meet the people. Are there 'safe' areas to visit or does crime pervade every region of the country?

Is there an inexpensive way to see the country while trying to avoid crime ridden areas?

Which area of Jamaica is "the Safest" so to speak. I've read that the best area of Jamaica to go to-to avoid some of these major problems is Negril. Is this true or is Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay just as safe and fun?

we've been to jamaica twice in the last 3 years and are going back to negril for thanksgiving. we never stayed at an all-inclusive (please-now that's adventurous) and never had any problems. the first year we even rented a car -spur of the moment and drove to negril w/no room reservations and never felt threatened once. of course you need to take the usual precautions like you do anywhere, but the people are for the most part great--and if you don't want any of what they're trying to sell you whether it be smoke or beads, just politely tell them no. people who stay in all-inclusives should just spend their vacations in disneyland!!

All inclusives are not just for the unadverturous....there is a growing trend toward them, and it is not for the reasons you mention. I personally, when going on vacation, like to know the price up front, so I can allow $$ for extra excursions & adventures. Also:... I am a Canadian and our $ is the sh..'s right now-many Canadians cannot afford to go to an island and lose money on every $ we spend. By going all inclusive we aren't paying twice as much as Americans for each meal, drinks, etc. If we did this- it would cost us almost twice as much as americans to enjoy travel in many caribbean islands.

I agree. I don't stay at all-inclusives to "isoloate" myself from the local people or culture. There is something relaxing about being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want, without worrying about money or tipping. Granted, if you do everything "a la carte" your vacation may still cost you less than an all-inclusive. However, there is just something psychologically appealing about paying for everything up front. This may not work for everyone, but I don't think that those of us who enjoy it should be criticized.

I love the products and fruits of Jamaica -- unlike any other Caribbean island. I recommend staying at a house with a staff -- and just enjoy the beach. In the past I have driven around the island and gone shopping, etc. -- all was OK, but it is really the best place to just DO NOTHING!!

To Chris Collinson - I don't recall mentioning anything about all inclusives in my post, nor do I endorse them. They are fine for some people and not fine for others. This debate is not about all inclusives but about comdemning a country for the actions of a violent few. Most Jamaicans, as in any country, are kind decent people who are happy to show you their country and talk to you if you make the effort to talk to them. I know many people who have travelled to Jamaica and not stayed at an all inclusive and had a wonderful time. I have also known people who have gone and hated it. It's not for everyone as I said before, condemning the whole country is not fair.

I would never spend a dime of my money in Jamaica again! My husband and I ventured out of the compound @Sandals Negril. We went into a village to buy some gifts and were swarmed by the villagers who proceeded to put bracelets etc. on me and then demand money for them. When we wanted to leave, a villager was sitting on our motorcycle. I told my husband to give him an American dollar bill(worth 7 Jamaican dollars @ that time) and thank him for "watching" our bike. He said " No Mon, you give me two!!" If I had felt at all safe I would have told him to f#*@! OFF!, But we gave him the money because the "Friendly villagers had all gathered around in a hostile manner. Now, doesn't that sound like a good time??? When I travel now, its to places like Aruba, the BVI's, Key West, Hawaii and guess what?? No problems, no fear and very little worry! For your information, tourists abroad have been put "on alert" and advised NOT to go to Florida or to at least follow certain precautions. The rental car agencies changed their labeling of cars to PROTECT the tourists! I've heard nothing advising against travel to Jamaica or that they're doing anything to protect visitors!!- I think the positive experiences are the exception there and we only hear the negative ones from the people who SURVIVED their trip there. I am so sorry for Holly's experience, I'm glad she lived to tell about it. The people who read these warnings and stories and still go will not be getting much sympathy if they too fall victim. Who wants to have to "be careful" and not leave the compound and be alert on their vacation???

I am so truly sorry to hear the problems that some of you have had in Jamaica.

My soon-to-be husband and I will be honeymooning at Sandals there, and I just first want to say that I don't think we are wimps. (well, maybe a little *smile*). But seriously, we chose Sandals because of the wonderful things we have heard about the resort, and to not have to reach into our pockets for anything is very appealing and after all the wedding planning where we are reaching into our pockets for EVERYTHING, it will be a welcome respite.

But, I do heed the warnings posted on this line. I'm still hard-headed and I still intend to venture out for at least one day. I am a curious person, curious about others' way of life, their cultures, their food, their stories and folkore. I live in the Washington, DC area, where the shooting happened at the Capital - I don't like to hear people recommending avoiding DC because of some bad incidents. If people didn't come here, they would also miss out on a lot of good things. I think in everywhere you go, there are places to go for vacation or honeymoon, and there are places to go for a learning experience.

I also just want to say that if something negative DOES happen to me, I don't think that I DESERVED it. No one deserves bad things to happen to them. But they happen, and just like if people came to DC and something bad happened to them, I would never, ever think that they *deserved* it.

The way I look at it is: it's not so much that one "deserves" to get mugged, robbed, etc, but you must realize that you are taking a risk by vacationing in a place with a huge amount of crime. What I don't understand is: why take such a chance when there are so many beautiful, safe, peaceful places to visit?

I am a white male who lived in Jamaica when I was younger. We rented a farm house at Dover Farm, near Ocho Rios.

Some of my best memories are of Jamaica.

Imagine being the only white person in the area! I actually was treated well by the locals and don't remember a single incident where I was in danger.

I wasn't a "tourist", however.

Jamaica does not have the same type of government or legislation that we are used to. There is a lot of money made there, but much of it leaves the country. The people have a very low standard of living and wages paid by these giant resorts are ridiculously low. Other than the resorts, who by the way are built for visitors, the island is lacking in basic necessities. Many islanders don't have electricity or running water. Add to that the fact that drugs will bring in a significantly larger income, while many tourists expect to be treated like royalty and you can have some problems.

The problems in Jamaica are not easy to solve. It is a very beautiful island, with great people, having in many cases, a difficult time.

If you go there, do so with an open mind and be aware that problems exist. Be cautious about where and when you go while on the island. There is crime there just like anywhere else.

For those of you who'd like to venture out of your resort and meet the real people of this great island, contact the Jamaican Tourist Board and ask about their program called "Meet the People". It will introduce you to a side of Jamaica that you might miss out on otherwise. Your host may invite you to their church service, or share the afternoon tea with them, go play golf or join a festive beach party. Contact me if you'd like the Jamaica Tourist Board toll free number.

It's true. Jamaica sucks.
I'm an airline pilot and avid cruiser and have been there on cruise ships and on 2 extended all inclusive vacations.
The properties are nice if you don't leave them. And for Gods sake don't.
You are guaranteed to be harassed non stop once you set foot off the compound. And not always good natured. A lot if it is drug pushing, which I find unattractive.
There are lots of islands down there. Go to one of those.
Stay away from Jamaica.

15 years or 15 days...makes no difference. I think it's (fair) to say that there will be haters of many island destinations.

My guess is that opinions like this are (usually) very close-minded, and very mis-informed. People have a bad incident, and then they must tell the whole world about their misery to maybe feel better. What's sad is that it will & does turn others away from certain places based on rumors & exagerations.

Just look at Mexico. There is at least one or two threads a week in here looking for their perfect paradise but they say that Mexico is not an option....usually because of fear of the dangers they have been mis-lead about.

I don't doubt that people have had bad experiences in Mexico, Jamaica, and all of the islands. I just wish people would do a little research before the listen to their Aunt Sally telling them that a place is dangerous because a man tried to sell them a lousy bag of weed.

I would bet that most major US cities have murder & crime rates WAY worse than most of these small islands.

I have have enjoyed my times in Jamaica have not witnessed even a petty crime, but I mainly stay in Negril only to venture out to fish. While I knew they had a crime problem in Kingston, the Chairman of the MBJ Chamber feels it dramtically impacts Jamica GDP in tourist areas too.

""Statistics have shown that our per capita GDP (gross domestic product) would be conservatively three times what it is now and more aggressively ten times what it is now, if we didn’t have this high level of crime," the minister stated."

I think a big problem is that people don’t know what they are getting into. They see pictures and videos online of “paradise”, yet they don’t realize that many of these destinations are developing islands. Give me a break.

We had no problems at all outside of our resort in Jamaica and we stayed in Montego Bay. Yeah, some vendors and people are pushy but they are just trying to make a living. If you don’t want something a “no thank you” usually works.

We were offered drugs numerous times but guess what, MANY tourists want them. Why wouldn’t they capitalize on that?

If you don’t want to be “annoyed” by peddlers don’t go to a developing island or don’t leave your resort.

We cant verify the authenticity of what these people are saying about being mistreated in Jamaica but i can say that millions of tourist come to Jamaica each year and we treat these people with respect. Thanks Guys for highlighting the tremendous times that you experience here.i am sure that we may treat other guests better than they are treated in other countries.

islandbookings1~ I'm guessing your heart is in the right place, but you really aren't helping Jamicaian tourism by replying to (therefore bringing back to the top of the forum) a 15 year old post with the title of "Jamaica Sucks"!

Hey Suze, i realise the post is old but being borned and raised in Jamaica it caught my eye and i wanted immediately to dispel the notion that Jamaica sucks, cause it doesnt..i live here. i cant elaborate too much about what i do but i am in the business of showing people like you and the OP a good time when they come here. I take your point though.

"i am in the business of showing people like you and the OP a good time when they come here"

I agree w/ suze - good to participate and give advice (just watch the tread dates), but you are also treading a fine line. A couple of your other posts have bordered on advertising which is not allowed on Fodors.

So some friendly advice - join in but don't offer to book places/activities or advertise your business.